GREENFIELD CENTER — Serge S. Shishik, III, 43, of Greenfield Center, passed away on May 14, 2016 after a valiant 18-month fight against lung cancer. Serge was born in Troy, raised in Waterford, and graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 1990. In 1995, Serge followed in the footsteps of his mother, the late Nancy Laiacona Shishik, and several other family members, in graduating from Albany College of Pharmacy. Serge built a highly successful career with GlaxoSmith Kline, Inc. as a pharmaceutical sales representative and later as a community pharmacist for Rite Aid in Saratoga Springs, before deciding to switch careers and start his own successful recruiting company, RecruitingYou.
Serge then brought his lifelong dream to fruition when he left the corporate world to follow a passion. His goal was to bring to market premium spirits that were reasonably priced, locally sourced, and crafted through an eco-friendly process. Serge’s vision for excellence began with extensive research into the distilled liquor industry that found him visiting private distilleries as far away as Kentucky with his Dad at his side. Serge carefully studied the marketplace to find his niche. He then envisioned what his own distillery would look like, built it with his friends and family, and boldly launched Saratoga Courage Distillery. In 2014 the distillery began production of its award-winning vodka, Pick Six, and a year later went on to create the popular Devil’s Den Moonshine. These locally made products quickly earned regional and national accolades. Again, he found overwhelming success through his ingenuity and hard work.
Time spent with Serge was filled with laughter and amazement. His ability to tell a story remains unparalleled. The ease with which he could captivate you with detailed events of his life and bring you to tears of laughter was constant and seemingly never-ending. Serge’s innate confidence, paired with his brilliance and varied experience, enabled him to solve problems and to empower and inspire those around him. Serge’s endless compassion for others fueled his support of many local causes and his volunteer work with The Giving Circle, rebuilding homes destroyed after Hurricane Katrina.
Serge’s love and loyalty to his family was absolute. His wife, Holly Ruotolo Shishik, his three children, Serge, Cory and Poppy; father, Serge S. Shishik II; sister, Serene Shishik Mastrianni and husband Chris and their daughter Michelena; along with his aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous other family members and friends, will miss his generosity, humor, love and spirit.
No calling hours are scheduled.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A reception for family and friends will follow.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Serge’s memory may be made to Saratoga Courage Gives Back, 6 Westminster Drive North, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.
Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home. To post online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.
